Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe
If you’re craving something bursting with bright flavors and simple to whip up, you’re going to adore my Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and zesty that feels like a summer party on your plate, no matter the season. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The chili, lime, and honey marinade perfectly balances heat, tang, and sweetness in every bite.
- Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and a quick marinade make this recipe doable on busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Filling: Sweet potatoes add fiber and nutrition while avocado salsa adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Versatile Cooking: Use a grill, grill pan, or skillet—whatever you have makes it work beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic behind this Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe lies in its fresh ingredients that build layers of flavor. I always pick ripe avocados and nice firm sweet potatoes to ensure the best texture and flavor combo. Here’s why these come together so well:
- Chicken breasts: Lean and quick to cook, they soak up that tangy, sweet marinade wonderfully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry flavors when grilling.
- Fresh lime juice: That citrus punch wakes up the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic: It’s all about that savory depth in the marinade.
- Honey: Sweetness that caramelizes on the grill, creating mouthwatering char.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For just the right kick — not too spicy, but enough to linger.
- Fresh cilantro and oregano: These herbs add brightness and an earthy note that freshens every bite.
- Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet, hearty, and perfect for grilling alongside the chicken.
- Red bell peppers: Slightly sweet and colorful—perfect to alternate on skewers for vibrant bites.
- Avocado: Creaminess that cools the heat from the peppers and peppers in the salsa.
- Jalapeño: Adds a little subtle heat and crunch to the avocado salsa.
- Fresh herbs (cilantro or basil): A fresh punch to finish the salsa.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe is how easy it is to swap in ingredients or adjust the heat. You can make it your own easily!
- Variation: I’ve swapped oregano for fresh thyme when I was out of herbs, and oddly enough it gave an earthy twist that I liked a lot.
- Heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, just reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeño in the salsa.
- Cooking method: When I don’t have a grill handy, a grill pan indoors gives me great results with nice char marks too.
- Side swap: Instead of rice, try serving with quinoa or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
I start by tossing the chicken in the marinade — that’s olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, honey, red pepper flakes, cilantro, oregano, and a good pinch of salt. I like to let this sit at least 15 minutes if I’m in a rush, but for deeper flavor, overnight in the fridge works wonders. Just make sure the bag is well sealed. Pro tip: the longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken gets.
Step 2: Prep Sweet Potatoes and Veggies
While the chicken is soaking up those delicious flavors, I slice the sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The red bell peppers get chopped into bite-sized chunks ready to thread on the skewers with the chicken. This helps the grill time go smoothly and the flavors to mix perfectly.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill Everything
I thread the chicken pieces and bell peppers alternately onto skewers, then lightly brush everything with olive oil for a beautiful char. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning often, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through (around 10-12 minutes). At the same time, I arrange the sweet potatoes on a piece of tin foil and grill alongside, turning a couple of times, until tender and golden.
Step 4: Whip Up the Fresh Avocado Salsa
Last but definitely not least, I mix diced avocado, chopped jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and cilantro (or basil if I’m feeling fancy) with a pinch of salt. This salsa adds creamy, zesty coolness that perfectly complements the smoky chicken and sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy
I like to serve the skewers and grilled sweet potatoes over steamed rice, topping everything with that gorgeous avocado salsa and maybe a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken — the marinade keeps it juicy, so aim for just until cooked through.
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces and veggies uniform in size for consistent grilling.
- Make Ahead Salsa: Prepare avocado salsa last minute to keep it fresh and vibrant, or add avocado right before serving if prepping early.
- Grilling Sweet Potatoes: Use tin foil to avoid losing pieces through the grate and to speed up cooking.
How to Serve Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always toss on a bit more fresh cilantro and sometimes thin slices of fresh red chili for a pop of color and extra heat. A wedge of lime on the side is non-negotiable in my book — it adds a lively squeeze that brightens everything up right before serving.
Side Dishes
While I serve this recipe over steamed white or brown rice, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette also pairs beautifully. For something heartier, quinoa or couscous dressed with lemon and herbs complements it well and keeps things interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, I’ve served the chicken and veggies off the skewers family-style on a big platter with bowls of the avocado salsa and rice surrounding it. It’s colorful, easy to dig into, and perfect for sharing stories over the table. You can even stuff the grilled chicken and sweet potato chunks into warm tortillas with a dollop of salsa for tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to pack leftover grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers so nothing gets soggy. Stored in the fridge, they hold up well for up to 3 days — perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If I want to freeze, I keep the chicken and sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag but never freeze the avocado salsa—it gets mushy and loses its bright color. Instead, fresh salsa always tastes best when made on the day you plan to eat.
Reheating
Reheating the chicken and sweet potatoes gently in a skillet or oven keeps them from drying out. I avoid microwaving because it can make textures weird. Then I simply spoon on fresh avocado salsa to bring back that fresh contrast.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicy on the grill, which can add extra richness to the dish. Just keep in mind that thighs might need a slightly longer cook time, so check for doneness carefully to avoid undercooking or burning.
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Can I prepare the marinade and skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and even assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until grilling time. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out or contamination. This pre-prep saves a lot of last-minute hassle.
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What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan? Can I cook this recipe indoors?
No problem! I’ve cooked this recipe in a regular skillet or under a broiler on high heat, turning frequently to get some char and cook the chicken evenly. While the smoky flavor won’t be exactly the same, it still tastes fantastic.
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How spicy is this dish?
The heat is moderate and can be adjusted easily by reducing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade and jalapeño in the salsa. It’s designed to have a nice gentle kick rather than overwhelming spice.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want impressive flavor without fuss. It’s fresh, balanced, and just downright delicious—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply want a nourishing solo meal. I’m confident you’ll love how easily it comes together and how it fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. So grab your skewers and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest grilled combos you’ve ever tried!
Print
Grilled Chili Lime Honey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant recipe features grilled chili lime honey chicken skewers paired with tender sweet potatoes and a refreshing avocado salsa. Marinated chicken chunks and colorful bell peppers are grilled to perfection, complemented by smoky sweet potatoes and zesty salsa for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Grilled Vegetables and Sides
- 2 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped into bite sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- steamed white or brown rice, for serving
Avocado Salsa
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- juice from 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and/or basil, chopped
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, red pepper flakes, cilantro, oregano, and a large pinch of salt. Seal and marinate for 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper to coat evenly.
- Assemble Skewers: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces and red bell pepper chunks alternately onto skewers.
- Grill Skewers and Sweet Potatoes: Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil. Place the skewers on the grill and cook until lightly charred and fully cooked, turning occasionally, about 10 to 12 minutes. Grill the sweet potato wedges on a piece of tin foil on the grill, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly charred on each side, also about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Make Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced avocado, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro and/or basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers and sweet potatoes over steamed rice. Top with the fresh avocado salsa and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes; overnight marination will deepen flavor.
- Use soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
- For a spicier salsa, keep some jalapeño seeds or add more jalapeño.
- Sweet potatoes can be roasted in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes if a grill is not available.
- Swap fresh oregano with dried oregano if fresh is unavailable, using 1 teaspoon dried.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg